Next week sees Tyneside singer songwriter Katie Grace fly the flag for the North East at one of the UK’s most prestigious songwriting competitions.
The 21-year-old indie-folk artist has made it into the final 10 of this year’s Song Academy Young Songwriter (aged 19-22) showcase.
Katie, a former Alan Hull Award winner, is returning to London’s Troubadour on Monday (September 28) — the scene of her sold-out headline show earlier this year.
“As always, I’m so proud to be representing the North East and my hometown of North Shields on the national stage,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity to mix with a bunch of talented musicians all starting out in their careers.
“And I’m excited to get back to The Troubadour. It was amazing to sell out my first headline gig in London and it’ll always be a venue that’s special to me.”
Katie has just released new single Fleetwood Mac and was one of the stars of this month’s Last Train Home Festival in Darlington.
The former King’s School, Tynemouth pupil will be performing Canary Wharf Song at The Troubadour as this year’s Song Academy winners are revealed.
Katie was joined in the Top 30 shortlist by Sunderland’s Isabel Maria — last seen performing at The Fire Station with Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.
Katie and Isabel share the same manager in Adam Kennedy and he added: “It’s incredible that our region is getting this recognition on the national stage.
“Katie and Isabel are such talented songwriters and they deserve every success.”
The Song Academy showcase brings together songwriters, producers, artists and leading players from across the music industry.
The Troubadour, one of London’s oldest independent music venues, has hosted iconic names such as, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Paul Simon to Adele, Ed Sheeran and Florence & The Machine.
For 17 years, Song Academy has been the launchpad for the next generation of songwriters and artists. Alumni include GAYLE, Matilda Mann, Lexie Carroll, Hetta Falzon, Sophie Griffiths and Natalie Shay.
The Young Songwriter 2026 judges include Tom Odell, Toby Gad, RuthAnne Cunningham, Jin Jin, Eg White, Dan Gillespie Sells, Hannah V, Tallia Storm, Miranda Cooper and Connie Talbot.